Since 1970, Nova Craft Canoe has built Canadian-made canoes in London, Ontario, growing from a garage operation producing fiberglass boats into a manufacturer of classic designs rendered in modern composite and polyethylene materials. Its best-known Prospector is a versatile, gear-hauling tripping canoe rooted in Canadian canoeing history, while the broader catalogue serves paddlers from quiet-water families to backcountry and whitewater travelers. Nova Craft also repairs composite canoes from any brand at its London factory and backs its canoes with a limited lifetime warranty for the original owner.
Savage RiverFor more than 35 years, Savage River has designed and built ultralight racing and wilderness-tripping canoes in the USA, with boats shaped by people who paddle them themselves. Founded by designer and avid whitewater paddler John Diller, the Oakland, Maryland, company builds most watercraft to order using aerospace-inspired composite construction and custom options. Its canoes are paddled by national champions, while models such as the Wee Lassie are made for reaching shallow, winding waterways and carrying easily over portages.OAKLAND, MD
Placid BoatworksSince 2004, Placid Boatworks has handcrafted ultralight pack canoes in Lake Placid, New York, giving the traditional canoe a kayak-like hull and modern composite construction. Founded by Charles Wilson and Joe Moore and operated as Joe’s sole proprietorship since 2010, the shop is known for its proprietary vacuum-infusion process and integral infused gunwale technology. Its boats have also become regular top finishers in the Adirondack Canoe Classic 90-Miler.LAKE PLACID, NY
Oak Orchard Canoe, IncFamily-owned since 1974, Oak Orchard Canoe, Inc. grew from three canoes on the Finleys’ front lawn into a Waterport paddlesports business now run by the founders’ son Todd and daughter-in-law Anita. It is known for letting customers try boats on its private Loch Finley before buying, with experienced staff providing practical guidance and ongoing repair service.WATERPORT, NY
Brooklyn Kayak CompanyBorn from its founders’ time fishing and kayaking around New York, Brooklyn Kayak Company designs and builds sit-on-top kayaks for anglers and everyday paddlers. The family-owned and operated company started making its own boats after finding that available kayaks lacked standard fishing features while still needing to be stable, durable, and affordable. Its kayaks arrive with practical details such as built-in storage and included seats and paddles, reflecting the founders’ aim to make time on the water easier and more accessible.New York, NY